Russia Local School releases band updates

RUSSIA — Russia Local School released its Winter 2018 newsletter, which highlights past, current and upcoming events within the district, including updates on the school’s music program.

The district recognized the school’s band members for their successful annual Christmas Concert. Gratitude was also expressed for the band members and parents who participated in the annual Christmas Cookie Exchange.

The Music Boosters sold cookies at both the elementary and band concerts. Because of everyone’s contribution, the boosters raised $1,051.95 for the school’s music programs.

The newsletter also congratulated several band members for representing Russia as members of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) District 11 Honor Bands. The high school member is junior percussionist Gregory Goubeaux, who is making his second straight appearance.

New this year was an opportunity for junior high members to become part of a seventh- and eighth-grade combined honor band held in combination with the OMEA High School Honor Band. Eighth-grade students Jonas Magoto, playing double horn in F, and Olivia Vallandingham, playing clarinet, both earned positions.

Jonas Magoto, Olivia Vallandingham and seventh-grade student Graci McClenen were recently accepted as members of the Ohio State Middle School Honor Bands. They will perform on Feb. 17 on The Ohio State University campus in the Mershon Auditorium at 4 p.m. The concert is free, but visitors may be required to pay a parking fee in cash.

The newsletter noted the OMEA Solo and Ensemble Adjudicated Event was recently held at Milton Union High School on Saturday, Jan. 20, and four Russia band members participated.

Jake Goubeaux earned a I-superior in Class C on alto sax, Hannah Vallandingham earned a II-excellent in Class C on alto sax, Claire Meyer earned a II-excellent in Class C on flute, and Greg Goubeaux earned a II- excellent in Class A on snare drum.

Each quarter, both the fifth- and sixth-grade band members can earn the distinction of Top Practice Minutes winners. Qualifying winners receive a pizza party for their hard work and dedication.

The band’s annual laundry detergent fundraiser is set to run Feb. 20 until March 5, with orders coming in around April 13 through 15. See a band member in grades five through 11 to place an order or contact Russia Band Director Michael Fulk at school by phone or email.

On Tuesday, Feb. 20, the sixth-grade students will be attending a performance of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Schuster Center in Dayton.

The trip and lunch are fully paid by the Russia Music Boosters. A complete trip itinerary and permission slip should be received by all sixth-grade parents. If not, email Fulk, at mfulk@russiaschool.org, and one will be sent to your email.